Dimples Smith, senior human resources consultant in HR-OIE, co-presented a webinar on neutral conflict resolution for the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. Daniel Griffith from IUPUI presented with her.

The webinar featured IPFW’s neutral conflict resolution program explored how institutions could create similar programs. It looked at techniques for developing internal mediators to assist faculty, staff and students in resolving interpersonal conflicts.

It also explored the details of the intensive five-day mediation training program presented to campus professionals that equipped them to facilitate meaningful communication processes among disputing parties.

Tamarah Brownlee, director of the human resources, graduated as part of Leadership Fort Wayne’s Class of 2016. As part of the program, Brownlee had to commit to nine full-day meetings which provided opportunities for hands-on experiences and an internship on a not-for-profit board of directors.

For her Community Action Project, Brownlee and her team members launched an online survey to 682 alumni of the LFW program in an effort to gauge their volunteer efforts since graduation. Of those 682, approximately 280 responded, showing that they had amassed more than 12,000 hours of volunteering in the last year.

In addition to quantifying the volunteer efforts of its alumni, this project also helped LFW identify how it can better engage those who have graduated in years past, whether it be through meetings and events, volunteer projects, networking, and more.

The article explores the university’s neutral conflict resolution (NCR) program. The program is designed to help employees resolve work-related disputes, differences and
concerns at the lowest and least invasive level. The program is designed use a structured setting with a trained mediator to resolve issues such as personality conflicts, long-standing disagreements, unprofessional conduct and such.

Smith co-authored the article with Daniel Griffith from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

The mother-daughter team of Julie Hook, director of general studies, and Karen Case, academic advisor and coordinator of peer leadership, presented “Like Mother, Like Daughter” at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Region 5 Conference in Toronto, Ontario.

From the abstract:

You should always listen to your mother . . . or should you? This mother/daughter duo are both academic advisors in different departments at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW). One has over 35 years of advising experience and is now a department chair, while the other one is new to the field of academic advising. This discussion will cross the generations from a seasoned baby boomer to a new millennial. Many topics will be discussed in relationship to students, co-workers, and the institution. Come listen, learn, and share a few laughs as this mother and daughter give each other advice from their own generational perspectives. We encourage audience participation by both new and seasoned advisors as you share your questions and experiences.

The grant will support a Facing Project book titled Facing Financial Hardship in Fort Wayne., which will be written by students and other volunteers in the community.

The book will focus on people involved with a United Way initiative called ALICE in Fort Wayne. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed . This description represents the growing number of individuals and families who are working, but are unable to afford the basic necessities of housing, food, child care, health care, and transportation.

The Facing Project is a nonprofit that connects people through stories with the goal of strengthening communities. The project provides tools, a platform, funds, and inspiration so communities can share the stories of citizens through the talent of local writers, artists, and actors.